Off-licences joining Tower Hamlets Council’s war on street drunks

Off-licences and retailers are to get training to join the mayor of Tower Hamlets’ battle against boozed yobs in the streets.

Mayor John Biggs... We all have a part to play in tackling anti-social behaviour thats fuelled by alcohol. Picture: Mike Brooke - Credit: Mike Brooke

Their staff are to get tips on how to refuse to sell booze over the counter to under 18s or to drunks and to check identity of those who look under 25 and refuse to sell if in doubt.

“We want to give independent shops the tools to be responsible retailers,” mayor John Biggs said.

“We all have a part to play in tackling anti-social behaviour that’s fuelled by alcohol.”

The mayor has begun the training programme in a partnership with Tesco and the Community Alcohol Partnership to get corner shop staff on board.

Kate Winstanley, from Alcohol Partnerships, said: “We’ve found it’s far more effective if retailers work alongside trading standards, the police, schools and community groups in tackling under-age drinking than traditional enforcement methods alone.”

The training is being given by volunteers from local Tesco stores throughout October and November to staff in independent shops as small retailers prepare for Christmas and the New Year.